Arts & Entertainment

ART
Works by buzzed-about Brooklyn painter Kristen Baker address the history of painting through textured paintings that approach sculptural. “Surge and Shadow” at Deitch Projects through April 21. deitch.com

By Heather Corcoran

Michael Imperioli might just be the city’s most underrated actor. For the past eight years, we’ve known him as Christopher Moltisanti, the troubled mafioso on “The Sopranos,” but this month he stars in two very different and unexpectedly subtle roles. Catch him as a dopey sage in the film “The Inner Life of Martin Frost,” premiering this week at the New Directors/New Films Festival, or as a desperate schemer raising fighting cocks in “Chicken” at Studio Dante, his own off-Broadway theater. Turns out, this actor has a lot more to offer.

The wonderful thing about New York is that there’s a little something for everyone. So, if box office hits starring mutant superheroes are your thing, there will be a theater playing just that. Or if a documentary feature following a filmmaker back to his hometown in post-wartorn Iraq is more up your alley, then look no further than one of the many film festivals that will hit the town this spring. For the Hollywood fan, spring will bring several sequels to previous big hits. Animation abounds in films like Disney’s “Meet the Robinsons” and “Shrek the Third”; blood and gore hit the silverscreen in Tarantino’s latest offering; and superheroes—hopefully—save the day.—Rhea Saran

This spring’s theater includes several Academy and Tony award winners. From the old-guard (Angela Lansbury, Christopher Plummer) to relatively young’uns (Laura Bell Bundy, Michael Sheen), this season’s pick of the crop are sure to both entertain and move you. In addition to the open run and limited engagement productions are some theater festivals, which showcase lesser known but provocative talents.

At the city’s major art museums, contemporary artists, photography and new media promise to make this spring an exciting one. But while the avant-garde may get all the attention, the season’s biggest blockbuster may come when the Met unveils its new Ancient Greek and Roman galleries, an extensive project 15 years in the making.

From dance to opera to multimedia performance art, this spring the city plays host to performances sure to suit any taste, no matter how classical or avant-garde. Touring companies and artists from around the country and around the globe take the stage, in world premiere performances and restagings of old favorites.

This spring, chart-topping artists and dramatic orchestral productions share the city’s musical stages. Whether you prefer rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, classical music or anything in between, you’re sure to find something to please your ears.

Singer-Songwriter Steps From Shadow Of Famous Dad

By Sascha Brodsky, Heather Corcoran and Rhea Saran

Just six years ago, Norah Jones was another New York musician picking up gigs wherever she could. On April 18, Jones comes home to play Madison Square Garden. In the meantime, Ravi Shankar’s daughter picked up eight Grammy Awards and her latest album is getting rave reviews.

By Elizabeth Velario

R.C. Sherriff’s World War I drama “Journey’s End,” which first played on the Broadway stage in 1929, is back, and it’s examination of war and morality is more relevant than ever.

By Heather Corcoran
Colin Meloy is the front man of the Decemberists, what some consider the most literary band in rock music. A Japanese folk tale was the inspiration for their latest album, “The Crane Wife.” It was their major label debut and has received rave reviews. With the band about to set out on tour, Meloy talked to the Resident about the new album and how Manhattan stacks up against Jersey City.